Waltham

Since the 1960s, research into dog care and nutrition has advanced in leaps and,
well, bounds. We're proud to say that the WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Care
and Nutrition (named after the Leicestershire town where Pedigree™ UK has its headquarters)
leads the research pack.

We're even more proud of the way we do our research. We look on the dogs that help
us as our research partners - and we've proved this method really pays off. Willing,
happy dogs who are treated as pets help us to learn what's best for your pet.

In our laboratory, scientists carry out world-class research across a broad range
of areas, including improving dog health through antioxidants, probiotics and optimising
energy intake. Collaborating with universities and institutes around the world,
we achieve fast, accurate results with very few dogs.

We currently have around 150 dogs and 230 cats living in fantastic, environmentally-enriched
lodges, looked after by more than 100 trained carers. The dogs are walked twice
every day, and their play area includes a special sensory garden with plenty of
great smells and sniffs. Our dogs enjoy several hours of socialisation each day,
trying activities like agility training, flyball and getting plenty of off-lead
play around the water fountains. In 2003, we even set a world record for dog obedience:
our WALTHAM team got 76 dogs to sit, together, for a whole two minutes.

Our world record wasn't just a stunt. Getting a dog to sit still, relaxed and content,
is essential for some of our research – like when we needed to learn how much moisture
a dog loses through its skin. (This particular study led to foods that promote healthier
skin and glossier coats.)

Our Caring Science approach can make scientific research more challenging. But it
not only sets our research apart, it makes WALTHAM a truly rewarding place to work.